HCL Workforce Solutions launches e-rostering software

HCL Workforce Solutions, in partnership with technology firm Skillstream, has launched an e-rostering software, ClarityROSTER, that it says will transform the way the NHS utilises its workforce, helping to drive cost savings surpassing those estimated by Lord Carter’s Review of Operational Productivity, whilst significantly improving patient care.

ClarityROSTER’s approach puts three goals at the centre, to help trusts take a firmer grip on workforce management, for staff to have more flexibility to perform their jobs to an even higher standard, and crucially, for patients to receive a positive experience of care.

The software is bidding to replace existing out-dated and ineffective e-rostering technology and will be formerly launched at the Health and Care Innovation Expo 2016 in Manchester on 7th and 8th September 2016.

ClarityROSTER’s capabilities include:

 Demand management not people management – using business logic ClarityROSTER can manage the requirements of a theatre, ward, department and an entire hospital whilst factoring in patient levels, acuity and recommended safe staffing levels.

 Giving NHS staff greater flexibility – by tracking rostered versus worked hours, ClarityROSTER offers health workers greater control over their work patterns – enabling shift switching and the management of holidays and training. Through improved flexibility, trusts will reduce the risk of stress and staff burnout, gaps in rotas and the reliance on temporary workers – bringing down unnecessary agency spend.

 Real time reporting – greater accountability will be achieved in the management chain and among third parties such as the ONS by using the ClarityROSTER’s ground-breaking reporting capability, real time dashboard views and data analysis tools.

 Productivity based charges – designed to be self-funding, ClarityROSTER can generate upwards of 7% savings in clinical staff costs, eliminating the duplication of work and ensuring staff are fully rostered in good time.

 Modern, intuitive and simple – offering a completely new user experience with full platform uniformity, ClarityROSTER makes complex tasks simple and when applied to NHS staff rostering, the ease of use will deliver better staff engagement, wide scale adoption, and improvements in quality and service delivery.

Chief executive of HCL Workforce Solutons (owner of Clarity), Stephen Burke, said, “We have been working hard for over 2 years now to develop e-rostering software that for the first time enables the NHS to get a grip on workforce management. Demand-led approaches to e-rostering will play an invaluable role in achieving this whilst putting staff back in control with enhanced flexibility.

“With extreme fiscal pressure facing the NHS and an ongoing need to make efficiency savings, ClarityROSTER will bring down unnecessary agency spend, whilst avoiding other high costs associated with substandard clinical performance.

“The workforce is the NHS’s greatest asset and it is time that trusts were finally able to make full use of these valuable skills as they seek to navigate ongoing challenges and enhance patient care; we are extremely excited that our technology will enable this.”

Managing director of Skillstream, Steve Lucas, said, “We have designed the software with care and with the user in mind, to ensure it is as intuitive as Facebook, works on smart phone, tablet or desktop and functions in the same way whether in an acute, primary or community care setting.

“Our experience successfully developing and implementing workforce management software for blue chip companies with large workforces inspired us to tackle the NHS.”